Spirit defenceman Raine Nadeau signed with the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this week. (Charlottetown Islanders photo)

It was a week of change in Spiritville.

Scott Donato officially stepped down as head coach the same day defenceman Raine Nadeau signed with the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Citing “family and business reasons,” Donato submitted his resignation a week earlier, but remained with the Spirit through Sunday’s 3-1 loss in Milton.

A replacement is expected to be named by early next week, Spirit GM/Governor Ken Burrows said. Assistant coaches TJ Hill and Joe Trentadue will coach the team in the meantime.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t spend the dedicated time that’s needed to be the head coach in Stouffville anymore and something had to change,” Donato said.

The hard-hitting Nadeau was a top-four defenceman for the young Spirit team this fall. The Oshawa product played as an affiliate from the Central Ontario Wolves U18 team last season.

Nadeau made an instant impact in his debut on Prince Edward Island with a big hit on his first shift and a primary assist in Charlottetown’s 7-3 win over the defending Memorial Cup Champion Saint John Sea Dogs Wednesday. 

THE SKED

Spirit at Markham, Friday, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.

Milton at Spirit, Saturday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m.

Spirit at Burlington, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.

THE SCORES

The Spirit fell 4-3 in overtime to nationally-ranked Collingwood Oct. 27 at the Stouffville Arena. Jeremy Hirsh, Peter Kioussis and Carson Eagles scored. Ayden Bulmer was outstanding, facing 40 Collingwood shots.

The next night, the Spirit lost 7-1 in Aurora. Hirsh scored the first goal of the game.

Sunday in Milton, Zack Corte staked the Spirit to a 1-0 lead but the Menace would win 3-1.

NOTEBOOK

The Stouffville Royal Canadian Legion colour party will take part in an on-ice service of Remembrance before Saturday’s game. Poppies will be available in the arena lobby. The Legion hosts the community Remembrance Day service Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m.

Spirit This Week is sponsored by Farmer Jack’s in Stouffville and Sharon